[choice] n [ME chois, fr. OF, fr. choisir to choose, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG kiosan to choose--more at choose] (13c) 1: the act of choosing: selection
2: power of choosing: option 3 a: the best part: cream b: a person or thing chosen
4: a sufficient number and variety to choose among
5: care in selecting
6: a grade of meat between prime and good -- of choice : to be preferred syn choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely "freedom of choice". option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed "the option of paying now or later". alternative implies a necessity to choose one and reject another possibility "equally attractive alternatives". preference suggests the guidance of choice by one's judgment or predilections "a preference for cool weather". selection implies a wide range of choice "a varied selection of furniture". election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment "doing a tax return forces certain elections on you".
[2]choice adj choic.er ; choic.est (14c) 1: worthy of being chosen
2: selected with care 3 a: of high quality b: of a grade between prime and good "~ meat" -- choice.ly adv -- choice.ness n syn choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind "choice fabric". exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste "an exquisite gold bracelet". elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste "a sumptuous but elegant dining room". rare suggests an uncommon excellence "rare beauty". delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility "delicate craftsmanship". dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate "dainty sandwiches".